Opinions on this potential partnership?

[mercdono]

In the near future I may be purchasing an Alexandrine male, I have already set my eyes on the breeder in my area, however I'm getting cold feet. :54:
I have plenty of experience with animals, as I grew up with chickens, ducks, budgies, canaries and zebra finches, fish and a cat. I know an Alexandrine is vastly different from finches and canaries but I have the dietary, stimulation and everything figured out.
I'll be entering uni very soon on a design degree--my classes are three times a week and they last for one-two hours. Hence, I'll be able to spend plenty of time with the bird during the early stages of him maturing.

I am aware, however, the Alexandrine lives to thirty or more years. And once internships start, I'll be working full time, eight hours a day, five days a week.

The reasons why I am considering an Alexandrine is because of their personality. They have a slightly more aloof attitude than other medium parrots and I understand they aren't too fond of cuddles and prefer to just 'hang' with their owners. They still need affection and attention and that's no problem. He'll mostly be around me everywhere in the house and out of his cage. I know they need plenty of stimulation and play and I am very happy to teach him tricks and speech. I like their attitude and the dopey way they walk is simply adorable. :10: Money isn't an issue. I'm looking at a 93x70x137cm large parrot cage for him and I'll be feeding him a healthy diet of greens, seeds and mixes in thirds.
The only time he will be inside the cage is when I am out mostly. My parents are also home often throughout the day so he won't be alone all the time.
I've got qualms because I don't want to have to sell him later on, but I also don't want him to suffer(?) once I start leaving the house for longer periods. I'm determined to make it work however, and plan on spending lots of time with him when I do start working full-time to make up for it.

However, I would to hear other opinions on this partnership. |:

 

[mandolynn]

If you are having doubts, maybe now isn't the right time to become a parrot owner. They are a lifelong commitment, and if you think you may not be able to fulfill their needs for their whole life, then you should wait. That's my opinion. There are just too many parrots who are chronically rehomed or are looking for homes.
Kudos to you for being insightful enough to recognize the possible future issues. I'm also sure that if you do decide to go ahead and get the bird, you could make it work and give him a loving home. But, this is a decision you have to make. You'll know when and if you are ready to have a life long companion.

 

[Betrisher]

While Alexes aren't as cuddly as, say, a cockatoo, they're still quite needy birds. Being highly intelligent, they require lots and lots of stimulation, not just from toys but from your presence and training. They're hard chewers, so need an ongoing supply of wood and cardboard toys as well as foraging and preening toys to keep their little psyches busy. Another point, too, is that my Alexes love to fly: they absolutely must have their daily flying exercise or they get aggro and noisy and bitey. I love my Beaks to bits, but I never ever thought they'd need as much involvement as they do. If you think demands on your time are going to increase in a year or two, I'd seriously advise you to wait before choosing an Alexandrine.

If you simply want avian company and amusement, you can't go past a pair or two of lovebirds in a flight cage. They may not be all that easy to tame if you don't have much time to do it, but they'll always be occupied and happy in each others' company. And they're hilarious if you give them interesting toys to play with! Mine like to bungee jump off a slinky toy and keep us in stitches with their antics.

Whatever you decide, it's good that you're thinking ahead and planning for the arrival of a bird in your life. As with most things, there are ways and compromises to make things work, so don't give up until you've researched every avenue. If/when you do become a bird owner, it'll be good to see you posting here!

 

[Pigletguinea]

I adopted Oskie a few months ago, and he deffo isn't a 'cuddly' bird,' but he is certainly very very needy! He has really bonded with me and no one else; as soon as he sees me pick up my bag or keys, he drops whatever he's doing and clings to the side of the cage screaming in panic. Cue constant feeling of separation anxiety on his part and guilt on mine. I'm studying fulltime and also working 40hrs per week, but luckily (kinda) we're living with my mother in law until I graduate next year so there's usually someone at home. So it's certainly something to think about when making the decision.
When my husband and I move out next year, we're planning on getting a girlfriend for Oskie so that he has some company in the house while we're doing shift work.
Having said all that, Oskie doesn't seem to suffer when he has the occasional week when we're all busy with work etc. Despite the initial panic, whenever I come home I see that his toys have been played with, food thrown everywhere etc, and he's the same happy self. So if you're willing to invest a lot of time and money into making sure he's occupied whilst you're out, it could work?

 

[riaria]

Have you thought about getting two birds? That way they'd be able to keep each other company when you're not there